Steakhouse Design at Al Habtoor City by SBD International

Project Description

Nestled within the opulent surrounds of The Atrium at Al Habtoor City, The City Grill is a contemporary fine dining concept that reinterprets the robust soul of South African cuisine through the lens of high-end urban sophistication. The architectural and interior design brief was to craft a bold and immersive hospitality environment that echoed the primal indulgence of fire-grilled cuisine while achieving a timeless elegance that resonated with international diners.

The design language employs a masculine palette of dark timber, weathered leather, wrought iron detailing and exposed blackened ceilings. Custom brass-studded furniture and stitched banquettes create a sense of crafted authenticity. Feature lighting is deliberately industrial and warm-toned, casting a moody glow that enhances the drama of the open grill kitchen and wine wall. Bespoke stone-clad walls with inset votives and an iconic bull's head motif subtly reference South African symbolism.

The spatial arrangement encourages intimacy and spectacle simultaneously — with the chef’s pass as theatrical centerpiece, framed by bar-height seating and booth clusters. Materiality and detailing play a significant role in modulating scale, from the tactile brass fastenings to the curated shelving of South African wines and dry-aged meats.

Designed for both high-traffic tourism and affluent locals, The City Grill’s interior is a careful orchestration of cultural storytelling and architectural restraint — delivering an atmosphere that is both exclusive and primal, where every design decision amplifies the rich culinary narrative of South Africa.